Cornwall (West Country)

Cornwall is located at the south-west tip of England
and bordered in the east by the River Tamar. The county
has the longest stretch of coastline in England, containing
over 300 golden beaches, and thanks to its isolated
position on the south-west coast, much of it has remained
untouched for centuries. Cornwall boasts some of England's
finest and most dramatic scenery, with historic market
towns, small hamlets and quaint fishing villages dotting
the landscape.

The Cornish landscape around the coastal areas is mainly undulating hills, some being very steep, with the central area covered by moorland. The coastline is rich and varied, with small rocky coves, wide sandy beaches and high rugged cliffs, especially along the north Atlantic coast. The south coast is gentler and less steep, interspersed with inlets and river estuaries that wind inland from the sea. The Lizard peninsular is the most southerly point in mainland England, with Land's End its most westerly.

Cornwall has a rich history with copper and tin mining once bringing it substantial wealth. Today its major industry is tourism, however, market gardening, dairy farming, fishing, civil engineering and ship repairing all contribute to its current economy.

Cornwall has retained a strong individuality from the rest of England, over the centuries. The Cornish language was widely spoken up until the 18th century and many words still survive in the names of places.

The rugged coastline around Cornwall has always been treacherous for shipping. One of the worst incidents was is in 1981, when the Penlee lifeboat attempted to save a freighter in difficulty. Both vessels were lost with all hands.

'From Padstow Point to Lundy Light is a sailor's grave by day or night.'

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The Meaning of Cornwall

First recorded in 891 as Cornwalam; the first syllable of the name is taken from the latin 'Cornu', meaning horn, describing the shape of the land. The second syllable is derived from the Old English 'wahl', meaning foreign; as that was how the English termed the Britons in this area.

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